Suspected rebels kill 3 in Indian Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India — Police say suspected rebels have killed three men in Indian Kashmir ahead of voting in general elections this week.

A police officer, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, says militants stormed the home of a village headman in Batgund village late Monday, killing him and his son.

The militants also shot and killed another village official in nearby Amlar village.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

More than a dozen rebel groups have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or merger with Pakistan since 1989. Armed rebels and separatist politicians have urged Kashmiris to boycott the vote.

It was not immediately clear if the killings were meant to dissuade people from voting.